Connecting the Yoms: An Exploration of Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Ha'aztmaut
2024-05-06 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Within the Jewish calendar, there are periods of time when holidays are connected to each other and, in their connection, add another layer of meaning to the days. We see this So too with Yom HaShoah, Yom HaYizkaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut. As we observe Yom Hashoah on May 6, this discussion will look at each holiday’s meaning and how their connection amplifies and enhances the individual days.

Tami Arnowitz presents Connecting the Yoms: An Exploration of Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Ha'aztmaut
2024-05-06 10:00 - 11:30
Within the Jewish calendar there are periods of time when holidays are connected to each other and, in their connection, add another layer of meaning to the days. We see this with Yom HaShoah, Yom HaYizkaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut. As we observe Yom Hashoah on May 6, this discussion will look at each holiday’s meaning and how their connection amplifies and enhances the individual days.

Pop-Up Shop: Skincare by Born to Be Free
2024-05-07 09:00 - 12:00
Come shop natural skincare with eco-friendly packaging from Born to Be Free!

Volunteer Opportunity: Make Blankets for Project Linus
2024-05-08 11:30 - 13:00
Join us for an afternoon of tikkun olam. We’ll make no-sew fleece blankets for Project Linus, which provides handmade blankets to children in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. These blankets provide children with a sense of security, warmth, and comfort. Blankets are simple to make and all materials are provided.

JCC Book Club: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
2024-05-08 19:00 - 20:30
This historical drama novel by New York Times bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the story of an aging and reclusive Hollywood star, Evelyn Hugo, who gives a final interview about her glamorous and scandalous life to an unknown journalist, Monique Grant. Evelyn shares stories of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. As Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

Pop-Up Shop: Jewels of the East
2024-05-09 10:00 - 13:00
Looking for mother’s day gifts for the mothers in your life? Support a local business that sells embroidery and jewelry from around the world.

Reel To Real Film and Discussion Series: Groundhog Day
2024-05-09 18:30 - 21:00
Join us for our next Reel to Real in which we have dinner and watch a movie together, then explore the cinematic themes and how they play out in real life. This month’s selection is Harold Ramis’s classic comedy Groundhog Day (1993) in which cynical weatherman Phil Connor (Bill Murray) discovers that he is stuck living the same day (Groundhog Day) over and over again. At first, he uses this to his advantage, then comes to the realization that he is doomed to spend the rest of eternity in the same place, seeing the same people do the same thing every day.
In our ever-unsettling world, we can easily slide into the tyranny of busyness. Some of us stay busy all the time to fend off feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or depression. The ancients have taught us that true happiness and peace originates from within. But is this possible when our consumer society emphasizes external things, activities, and accomplishments? We’ll discuss these questions as we watch Bill Murray navigate the quagmire of eternal limbo, and discuss how each of us deals with the onslaught of distraction that prevents us from true connection with each other.
Program schedule:

6:30 Dinner available
7:00 Film begins
8:30-9:00: Discussion (stay as long as you like!)

About the presenter: Scott Bloom has spent his 33-year career at the intersection of mental health, schools, and communities. He was the founding director of School Mental Health Services for the New York City Department of Education, where he built a city-wide system of mental health services and resources in over 1800 city schools to better serve the needs of 1.2 million students and families. Mr. Bloom has certification as a psychotherapist and a private practice and supervision in New York City.

Pop-Up Shop: Handmade Jewelry by Alla Stoyan
2024-05-11 09:00 - 11:00
Member Alla Stoyan will be selling homemade jewelry. Come get your loved ones a gift—or for yourself!

Jess Velona presents Vietnam and the Road to Watergate: Lessons from the Johnson and Nixon Tapes
2024-05-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-05-20 10:00 - 11:30
Key decisions about the Vietnam War were made in a single room where most of the conversations were recorded. In this 2-session class, Jess Velona uses tapes rarely heard before to explore this window into history. You’ll listen toturning points such as the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, Johnson’s tortured decision to escalate the war, his dismissal of antiwar protesters as “mentally diseased,” and his belated recognition that his presidency had been destroyed. You’ll listen along when Johnson discovers, at the end of the 1968 campaign, that his new bid for peace is being sabotaged by candidate Nixon himself. Once Nixon takes office, explore his struggle to contain the wave of protests set off by the invasion of Cambodia and his shock of the Pentagon Papers leak.

Rodney King Trial: A Dramatic Transcript Reading
2024-05-13 13:00 - 14:00
On March 3, 1991, four white police officers savagely beat Rodney King, a Black man, during his arrest for driving while intoxicated–and it was all captured on video. The ensuing trial, in which the officers were charged with using excessive force, shocked the nation, as did the verdicts. Join us to re-enact the trial in a dramatic reading of the edited transcript with facilitator Aytan Adler. Much like a table reading for a play, participants will be assigned parts (judge, attorney, plaintiff, etc.) with time for discussion. Bring your curiosity and creative spirit.

Israeli Culture Connection with Noy
2024-05-14 11:00 - 12:00
Come connect with our Shishin (Junior Israeli ambassador) Noy Laufer, born in Haifa. Noy is spending her gap year after graduating high school working with different institutions. In a roundtable conversation, she will share her experiences and perspectives as an Israeli. Light refreshments will be served.

Falafel Pop-up With Chef Noam
2024-05-14 11:00 - 16:00
Chef Noam Zabari has been cooking traditional Yemenite food from a young age. He has been working in cafes and local restaurants since the age of 15, and started his own catering business in 2020. In honor of Israel Independence Day, Chef Noam will be at the J selling made-to-order falafel, falafel sandwiches, and hummus plates.

Coffee and Games
2024-05-15 11:30 - 13:00
Grab a friend or meet a new one over coffee and a good game. We provide Scrabble, playing cards, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, Othello, chess, and more; you’re also welcome to bring your own. Feel free to bring your lunch!

Foreign Affairs Discussion Group: Good News Around the World
2024-05-15 19:00 - 20:30
Bad news dominates the headlines these days, from wars to natural disasters. While we can’t ignore the bad news–and the media seems to relish in delivering it–we can choose to look also at the positives. The world has seen major advances in many areas, including health care, environmental protection, reduced global poverty, literacy gains, and curbs in population growth. We’ll discuss why our bias for bad news keeps us from appreciating the progress achieved and hinders our abilities to adapt to and even reverse many of the problems we face.

Soccer Clinic and Open House with J Sports Academy
2024-05-19 15:00 - 16:00
Elevate your game! Meet camp leadership and our coaching staff and learn about all that J Sports Academy has in store for this summer!
Join us at our open house and FREE soccer clinic with Coach Ken Ortiz, collegiate soccer player, on Sunday, May 19, from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm at The Masters School. Meet our coaches, explore the exceptional fields and courts, and get excited for summer!
Can’t make it to the open house? Check out jsportsacademy.org or contact info@jsportsacademy.org to set up an appointment to speak with our leadership team.

Caregiver Conversation Circle
2024-05-20 13:00 - 14:00
Do you care for a family member with chronic illness or special needs? Join our conversation circle to connect with others in a similar situation. Whether you are responsible for a child with special needs, a spouse with cognitive or physical decline, or any other situation that fits, we welcome your participation. The group will be facilitated by longtime social worker, Joanne Reed. Coffee and tea will be served.

Out to Lunch with the JCC: Santorini Greek Restaurant
2024-05-22 12:30 - 14:00
Join your fellow foodies for our next lunch outing to Santorini Greek Restaurant in Sleepy Hollow! Your lunch will be served family-style and includes Greek salad, falafel, chicken kebabs, pita, and coffee or tea. Bring your appetite and a friend, or come make new ones! These events are always lots of fun and are open to all.
NOTE: We will be meeting at Santorini, 175 Valley St, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591. Metered street parking is available. If you need a ride from the JCC or have room in your car for others, please email cjacobs@shamesjcc.org when you register.
$30 cash for all, includes food, tax and tip

Birdie’s Batch Memorial Day Pop-Up
2024-05-23 15:00 - 17:00
Get your long-weekend goodies at the J! Birdie’s Batch will be selling a variety of crostatas and cookies to take to Memorial Day BBQs, or just enjoy at home!

JCC Closed (Memorial Day)
2024-05-27 05:00 - 22:00

Massages by Michelle
2024-05-29 10:00 - 15:00
Get a free 10 minute massage at the J! New York State Licensed Massage Therapist Michelle Pachon is back by popular demand. She specializes in Swedish, CTT (deep tissue), sports massage and myofascial release.

Verve Book Club: Shanda by Letty Cottin Pogrebin
2024-05-29 11:30 - 13:00
The word “shanda” is defined as shame or disgrace in Yiddish. In her astonishingly candid memoir, author, activist, and Ms. magazine founder Letty Cottin Pogrebin seeks to understand the role of shame and secrecy in a family of devout Jewish immigrants whose social status — in America and even among one another — required the calculated concealment of a number of uncomfortable truths. Beginning with her own long-suppressed secret, the story spirals through the hidden lives of her parents and relatives—revealing the truth about their origins, personal traumas, marital misery, abandoned children, religious transgressions, sexual identity, radical politics, and illnesses.

JCC Celebration
2024-05-30 19:00 - 22:00
Join us for a special evening to celebrate the expanded Harold & Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson and recognize the contributions of our entire community. This celebration will be held in The Ark, our new theater and event space.
Honoring
Judy Cohen
and The Family of Harold and Elaine Shames:
Mitchell Shames, Harry Livenstein, Risa Shames and Neil Silverston, and Barbara Livenstein
Program
Cocktail hour reception from 7-8PM, followed by program and seated dinner beginning at 8PM
Cocktail attire suggested
Host Committee
Leslie Alkalay, Rachel Alkon, Lisa Cohen, Andrew Eifler, Daniel Fossner, Charles B. Friedman, Allen Halpern, Steve Kasoff, Emma Katznelson, Scott Krady, Nancy Lonky, Barry Reichgott, Barbara Robertson, Brad Schwartz, Dara Seiken, Jon Weiss, and Fred Yerman

Laughter Yoga
2024-05-31 10:30 - 11:30
Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine that combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. Laughter reaps many scientific benefits including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression; lower blood pressure; a strengthened immune system; and much more. Laughter is initially stimulated as a physical exercise and soon leads to real and contagious laughter. Bring your playful spirit!

Grand Opening Breakfast of the Cohen Family Atrium and The Ark!
2024-06-03 08:00 - 10:00
Join us in the new space on opening day! A full hot, unlimited breakfast will be available for purchase for $14 Monday–Friday, as well as a la carte items.

Understanding the Transgender, Nonbinary, or Questioning Child
2024-06-03 10:00 - 11:30
Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-questioning children need adult support, but adults may not know the best way to provide this. Join Rena DeLevie, mom to a beautiful transgender nonbinary child, as she addresses critical questions that can help individuals better understand the experiences guiding the transgender, nonbinary, or questioning child.

Pride Pop-Up Shop with Transom Booksellers
2024-06-04 09:30 - 16:30
Peruse and purchase a curated collection of LGTBQ+ fiction and non-fiction from our local bookstore.

Hot Topics
2024-06-05 11:30 - 13:00
FREE for members and non-members
Come discuss the month’s social and political issues with your fellow news enthusiasts. With timely and changing international, national, and local issues from the news arenas of government, arts, sports, science, and religion, we welcome all participants to voice their ideas. All points of view are welcome in this lively, thought-provoking, and civil discussion. Feel free to bring your lunch and/or a friend!

Two Years Since Dobbs: Where Are We Now?
2024-06-06 19:00 - 20:30
$15 suggested donation
Roe v. Wade was overturned two years ago this June. Since then, a number of states have enacted restrictive abortion laws, and women’s access to healthcare is being obstructed in new and dangerous ways every day. How did this all come to pass? What has the landscape looked like these past two years in terms of policy and provision–and where might be heading in this significant election year? We’ll explore the past, present, and potential future of abortion access with Meera Shah, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic and Andrea Flynn, thought leader, scholar, and lecturer on reproductive and economic justice.
This event is co-sponsored with Rivertown for Reproductive Rights.

Spring Graze Board Making
2024-06-06 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for an interactive culinary experience led by talented cooking instructor, Kate Sonders Solomon. Learn the art of crafting a delicious spring graze board, socialize, and celebrate Shavuot as you indulge in the joy of food and community!
Kate is a cooking instructor living in Hastings-on-Hudson. She provides a relaxed, hands-on cooking experience for adults and children. Kate aims to foster creativity and connection in the kitchen and empower children, home cooks, and corporate teams.
Address is in the Somers area, and will be disclosed upon registration
